Canada and the Entente are about to make the biggest mistake of their lives.
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Yep. Canada about to experience a shotgun wedding lol
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Chapter 20: The Ultimatum.
Preparedness is the key to success and victory.
- Douglas MacArthur
At the beginning of the 20th century, the world was anticipating a major global conflict. Almost all the great powers had territorial, ideological, or economic claims against other countries. This ultimately led to the formation of different power blocs. The first was the Entente Cordiale, an alliance of the most liberal countries (France and Great Britain), which nevertheless had the Tsarist Russia on its side. On the other side, the Triple Alliance of the German Empire and Austria-Hungary, with its imperial glory. Other countries, however, faced a more difficult decision. Japan desired both the German and British colonies. Italy wanted the Italian territories of Austria-Hungary, which was its ally. Another country that was not aligned was the United States. Its people and government were isolationist and did not wish to get involved. Not so their military.
Starting in 1914, with the outbreak of the Weltkrieg, Americans realized it might be likely they would end up in the war. Although Wilson's government financed the Entente, the United States stayed out of the war, thanks to German lobbying groups. However, the conflict had demonstrated something to the General Staff: "If America wants to survive, it must be ready for anything, including the impossible."
Thus, as revolutions and wars unfolded during the crazy 20s, the General Staff worked on different war plans:
- Red Plan: Planning against the United Kingdom in case of conflict, with an emphasis on Canada. After the British Revolution of 1925, the Red War Plan was divided into two: Red War Plan (Union of Great Britain) and Garnet War Plan (Against the exiled government).
- Orange Plan: Plan for a conflict with Japan, focused on defending the Pacific.
- Black Plan: Strategy for a war with Germany. After its victory in the Weltkrieg, two parts were developed: Black War Plan, which aimed to eliminate German colonies in the Caribbean and overthrow pro-German governments, and Dark Black War Plan, which hypothetically spoke of intervention in Europe.
- Green Plan: Preparation for a war with Mexico. Although initially it only spoke of a limited intervention, the socialist revolution led to the plan being changed in 1928 to prepare for a total occupation of Mexico.
- Brown Plan: Plan for interventions in Central America. These were informal plans discussing how, through illegal operations, to establish puppet governments with the help of the Marines.
- Yellow Plan: Strategy for a conflict with China. These were informal plans aimed at protecting American properties and the Legation of Cities in the face of a potential second Boxer Rebellion or an attack by a Chinese warlord.
-White War Plan: It dealt with an internal uprising in the U.S. Its main use was in 1937, when MacArthur used it to overthrow Jack Reed's government.
In general, these plans were made and updated by subordinates and were often not realistic in terms of international relations. But this changed after the civil war. MacArthur, seeing how the world powers had supported the different rival governments, demanded that these plans be revised and modified. To the surprise of many, Matthew Ridgway was chosen by MacArthur along with Eisenhower and Bradley to redo these plans. However, one took priority: a possible war against the Entente. Thus, at the end of November 1939, a new operations plan was presented to President Landon and MacArthur: Operation Fallen Crown.
First, there would be the 3rd Army, commanded by Daniel Van Voorhis, a veteran of the Civil War who had served as commander of the 1st Army. His task would be to resist the superior enemy forces and, if possible, capture the cities of Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg. Just like during the Civil War, his forces would be the least prepared and equipped.
Second, the elite forces: Alexander Vandegrift's Marines. Although far from the sea, they had been trained in urban warfare and were the most seasoned troops in the entire Army. Additionally, they were supported by the few armored companies available in the arsenal. Their mission was to cross from Detroit into Canada and, in just 30 hours, reach the gates of Toronto. Once the area was secured, they were to continue inland to cut the railway line running from Vancouver to Quebec. Without it, the Entente forces in the West would be cut off from supplies from the capital. Another part of the divisions would head toward Niagara Falls, aiming to connect with Bradley's forces in Buffalo.
To the East, the 1st and 2nd Armies under Bradley and Eisenhower. Their objective would be to launch a blitzkrieg-style campaign toward the former Canadian border. Along the way, American forces were to ally with General Pershing's Yankee resistance movement. In addition to aerial support, the soldiers were instructed to be peaceful with the civilian population and avoid widespread destruction. However, the American forces knew they would face the best of the Entente armies. Along with land advances toward the major war cities in maneuver warfare, a couple of divisions from Eisenhower's 2nd Army would land in Providence with the support of Hasley's 1st Fleet.
Regarding aviation, it would be primarily concentrated over New England. Unfortunately, it had not been possible to produce enough to surpass the RCAF. However, MacArthur was confident that the anti-aircraft defenses would be enough to survive. Finally, the fleet was divided into two parts: the 1st Fleet, commanded by Hasley and the more modern one, and the 2nd Fleet, commanded by Admiral Chester Nimitz. While the first fleet had clear orders to seek direct confrontation, the second had orders to protect the coast, trying not to engage in a major battle where they would be overwhelmed.
All of these operations would be part of the first phase of the plan. Once Canada was destroyed, MacArthur would launch his Marines island by island until the remnants of the Entente requested peace. Returning to the White House, Landon preferred not to launch the operation immediately. In his opinion, it was necessary to maintain good relations with the Entente if they wanted to keep North America at peace and free from the dangers of the old continent. Therefore, he issued his ultimatum for the territories to be returned. In addition to Canada, he also demanded it from Panama, which he considered vital due to its canal.
Chronology of Events from December 24, 1939, to January 24, 1940
December 24, 1939
In a radio address, President Alf Landon calls on the Canadian and Panamanian governments to return the territories occupied during the Civil War. This catches the Entente by surprise, as they had expected to maintain control of the occupied areas for a few more years.
December 25, 1939
The British government-in-exile, led by Winston Churchill, and the Canadian government of Viscount Richard Bedford Bennett meet with the King in Ottawa. Their positions are opposed. Unlike Churchill, Bennett depends on popular support and is in favor of withdrawing in exchange for certain concessions from Landon. Churchill, though generally pro-American, believes that a withdrawal would be a disgrace and would destroy British prestige. It is at this moment that he utters his famous phrase: "Return them? And what next? An apology as well?" Edward VIII decides to support Prime Minister Churchill and refuses to return the territories, though he promises Bennett that they will meet again after consulting with the military and other Entente members. Bennett is discouraged. However, he is surprised to receive the support of a minority faction of British exiles led by Lord Halifax.
December 26, 1939
American troops begin preparations for war, conducting intensive training exercises in full view of British-Canadian forces. Meanwhile, Bernard Law Montgomery, the military governor of the region and hero of the failed Indian Reunification War, begins moving materials and industrial assets toward the border, apparently on his own initiative. At the same time, Landon announces economic sanctions against the Entente, particularly targeting Canada.
December 29, 1939
Diplomat William H. Draper Jr. travels to Dakar to meet with Pétain, the leader of the French government-in-exile. Also present is Charles de Gaulle, commander of French forces in the south of the country. Though allied with Edward VIII, Pétain understands that a war against the Americans would benefit the Internationale. Thus, while he states that in the event of war, he would send an expeditionary force to Canada, he also promises Draper to exert diplomatic pressure on Ottawa.
January 5, 1940
The German government issues a statement on the North American Crisis, as the events are now being called. Carl Friedrich Goerdeler supports the American claims but warns that if this conflict drags on, it will ultimately benefit the Third Internationale. Meanwhile, Savinkov also announces his support for MacArthur and Landon. The leaders of the Third Internationale gather in Calais to discuss possible courses of action. Ultimately, the Internationale decides to remain neutral and focus on preparing for the inevitable European war looming on the horizon.
January 8, 1940
An American patrol mistakenly crosses the Canadian border west of Lake Michigan. Upon spotting them, Canadian troops open fire, killing four American soldiers. In response, artillery units from the U.S. 3rd Army fire on Canadian positions. Though both Ottawa and Washington, D.C. manage to de-escalate the situation, the incident demonstrates that both sides are ready for war. Additionally, MacArthur convinces Landon and Marshall to deploy National Guard units within 50 miles of the border.
January 12, 1940
An American guerrilla unit assassinates the commander of the Boston garrison. General Pershing and the Yankee Rebellion claim responsibility. This only escalates tensions between the two powers. That same day, a Panamanian delegation arrives in Washington to negotiate the return of the canal. In Landon’s view, "They'll return it sooner than they think." Meanwhile, in the United States, the states within Military Districts 1 and 2 vote to rejoin the Union. With more than 90% in favor, the following states are reincorporated: California, Nevada, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Though they have yet to elect representatives, their democratic cycle will resume after the 1940 elections.
January 14, 1940
A series of phone calls conducted by Churchill and Edward VIII convince them that the Entente is not willing to fight for what Pétain describes as "a king’s pride." At 7:00 PM, both the British government-in-exile and the Canadian government meet with the King once more in Ottawa. After more than 28 hours of deliberations and voting, the government narrowly decides—by just three votes—to send Churchill to Washington to negotiate a treaty with Landon. The Prime Minister is set to arrive in Washington on January 16.
Photo of Prime Minister Churchill alongside General Eisenhower. The two men were very different, though they collaborated closely. Churchill, who had been elected Prime Minister after the defeat in the Great Indian Reunification War, was supported by Eisenhower, who was opposed to the war.
January 19, 1940
While Landon and Churchill meet in the capital, a squadron of Hawker Hurricanes is shot down by anti-aircraft batteries over Manhattan Island. Though this appears to sabotage the peace talks, Landon manages to convince Churchill to continue negotiations. Ultimately, they reach a resolution.
January 20, 1940
Congress and the Senate ratify the treaty. After much deliberation, Edward VIII does the same. In exchange for the cancellation of the Entente’s Great War debt, Canada agrees to withdraw from the occupied territories by January 24, fulfilling Landon's demands. However, they are granted an additional month to withdraw the Canadian fleet from Hawaii.
January 22, 1940
George Gallup conducts the first-ever popularity index poll. For Landon, the results show that over 47% of respondents (excluding those in the non-reincorporated territories) approve of his administration's actions. However, only 32% would vote for him in reelection. Meanwhile, MacArthur enjoys a 67% approval rating.
George Gallup (1901-1984) was an American statistician and journalist, famous for developing the modern method of public opinion polling. He founded the Gallup Poll, which revolutionized the way public opinion was measured in politics, business, and other fields. His system of probability sampling proved to be much more accurate than traditional methods, and his correct prediction of the electoral deadlock in 1932 and Reed's victory in 1936 cemented his reputation. Although he fled to Canada during the war, he returned to the U.S. after MacArthur's victory.
January 24, 1940
Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery and General Eisenhower shake hands following the withdrawal of the last Canadian soldier from American territory. Peace and the status quo have been restored. All of North America breathes a sigh of relief. From Alaska to Tampa, Florida, Americans flood the streets to celebrate victory.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The peace in our time! In the next chapter, William J. Prescott returns
One never knows. Despite the military reforms of McNair and MacArthur, we must not forget that only a year and a half has passed since the Civil War. Nor can we forget the quality of the Canadian forces, veterans of the India War. Or the Entente allies. Or the air force...Who knows?
Preparedness is the key to success and victory.
- Douglas MacArthur
At the beginning of the 20th century, the world was anticipating a major global conflict. Almost all the great powers had territorial, ideological, or economic claims against other countries. This ultimately led to the formation of different power blocs. The first was the Entente Cordiale, an alliance of the most liberal countries (France and Great Britain), which nevertheless had the Tsarist Russia on its side. On the other side, the Triple Alliance of the German Empire and Austria-Hungary, with its imperial glory. Other countries, however, faced a more difficult decision. Japan desired both the German and British colonies. Italy wanted the Italian territories of Austria-Hungary, which was its ally. Another country that was not aligned was the United States. Its people and government were isolationist and did not wish to get involved. Not so their military.
Starting in 1914, with the outbreak of the Weltkrieg, Americans realized it might be likely they would end up in the war. Although Wilson's government financed the Entente, the United States stayed out of the war, thanks to German lobbying groups. However, the conflict had demonstrated something to the General Staff: "If America wants to survive, it must be ready for anything, including the impossible."
Thus, as revolutions and wars unfolded during the crazy 20s, the General Staff worked on different war plans:
- Red Plan: Planning against the United Kingdom in case of conflict, with an emphasis on Canada. After the British Revolution of 1925, the Red War Plan was divided into two: Red War Plan (Union of Great Britain) and Garnet War Plan (Against the exiled government).
- Orange Plan: Plan for a conflict with Japan, focused on defending the Pacific.
- Black Plan: Strategy for a war with Germany. After its victory in the Weltkrieg, two parts were developed: Black War Plan, which aimed to eliminate German colonies in the Caribbean and overthrow pro-German governments, and Dark Black War Plan, which hypothetically spoke of intervention in Europe.
- Green Plan: Preparation for a war with Mexico. Although initially it only spoke of a limited intervention, the socialist revolution led to the plan being changed in 1928 to prepare for a total occupation of Mexico.
- Brown Plan: Plan for interventions in Central America. These were informal plans discussing how, through illegal operations, to establish puppet governments with the help of the Marines.
- Yellow Plan: Strategy for a conflict with China. These were informal plans aimed at protecting American properties and the Legation of Cities in the face of a potential second Boxer Rebellion or an attack by a Chinese warlord.
-White War Plan: It dealt with an internal uprising in the U.S. Its main use was in 1937, when MacArthur used it to overthrow Jack Reed's government.
In general, these plans were made and updated by subordinates and were often not realistic in terms of international relations. But this changed after the civil war. MacArthur, seeing how the world powers had supported the different rival governments, demanded that these plans be revised and modified. To the surprise of many, Matthew Ridgway was chosen by MacArthur along with Eisenhower and Bradley to redo these plans. However, one took priority: a possible war against the Entente. Thus, at the end of November 1939, a new operations plan was presented to President Landon and MacArthur: Operation Fallen Crown.
First, there would be the 3rd Army, commanded by Daniel Van Voorhis, a veteran of the Civil War who had served as commander of the 1st Army. His task would be to resist the superior enemy forces and, if possible, capture the cities of Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg. Just like during the Civil War, his forces would be the least prepared and equipped.
Second, the elite forces: Alexander Vandegrift's Marines. Although far from the sea, they had been trained in urban warfare and were the most seasoned troops in the entire Army. Additionally, they were supported by the few armored companies available in the arsenal. Their mission was to cross from Detroit into Canada and, in just 30 hours, reach the gates of Toronto. Once the area was secured, they were to continue inland to cut the railway line running from Vancouver to Quebec. Without it, the Entente forces in the West would be cut off from supplies from the capital. Another part of the divisions would head toward Niagara Falls, aiming to connect with Bradley's forces in Buffalo.
To the East, the 1st and 2nd Armies under Bradley and Eisenhower. Their objective would be to launch a blitzkrieg-style campaign toward the former Canadian border. Along the way, American forces were to ally with General Pershing's Yankee resistance movement. In addition to aerial support, the soldiers were instructed to be peaceful with the civilian population and avoid widespread destruction. However, the American forces knew they would face the best of the Entente armies. Along with land advances toward the major war cities in maneuver warfare, a couple of divisions from Eisenhower's 2nd Army would land in Providence with the support of Hasley's 1st Fleet.
Regarding aviation, it would be primarily concentrated over New England. Unfortunately, it had not been possible to produce enough to surpass the RCAF. However, MacArthur was confident that the anti-aircraft defenses would be enough to survive. Finally, the fleet was divided into two parts: the 1st Fleet, commanded by Hasley and the more modern one, and the 2nd Fleet, commanded by Admiral Chester Nimitz. While the first fleet had clear orders to seek direct confrontation, the second had orders to protect the coast, trying not to engage in a major battle where they would be overwhelmed.
All of these operations would be part of the first phase of the plan. Once Canada was destroyed, MacArthur would launch his Marines island by island until the remnants of the Entente requested peace. Returning to the White House, Landon preferred not to launch the operation immediately. In his opinion, it was necessary to maintain good relations with the Entente if they wanted to keep North America at peace and free from the dangers of the old continent. Therefore, he issued his ultimatum for the territories to be returned. In addition to Canada, he also demanded it from Panama, which he considered vital due to its canal.
Chronology of Events from December 24, 1939, to January 24, 1940
December 24, 1939
In a radio address, President Alf Landon calls on the Canadian and Panamanian governments to return the territories occupied during the Civil War. This catches the Entente by surprise, as they had expected to maintain control of the occupied areas for a few more years.
December 25, 1939
The British government-in-exile, led by Winston Churchill, and the Canadian government of Viscount Richard Bedford Bennett meet with the King in Ottawa. Their positions are opposed. Unlike Churchill, Bennett depends on popular support and is in favor of withdrawing in exchange for certain concessions from Landon. Churchill, though generally pro-American, believes that a withdrawal would be a disgrace and would destroy British prestige. It is at this moment that he utters his famous phrase: "Return them? And what next? An apology as well?" Edward VIII decides to support Prime Minister Churchill and refuses to return the territories, though he promises Bennett that they will meet again after consulting with the military and other Entente members. Bennett is discouraged. However, he is surprised to receive the support of a minority faction of British exiles led by Lord Halifax.
December 26, 1939
American troops begin preparations for war, conducting intensive training exercises in full view of British-Canadian forces. Meanwhile, Bernard Law Montgomery, the military governor of the region and hero of the failed Indian Reunification War, begins moving materials and industrial assets toward the border, apparently on his own initiative. At the same time, Landon announces economic sanctions against the Entente, particularly targeting Canada.
December 29, 1939
Diplomat William H. Draper Jr. travels to Dakar to meet with Pétain, the leader of the French government-in-exile. Also present is Charles de Gaulle, commander of French forces in the south of the country. Though allied with Edward VIII, Pétain understands that a war against the Americans would benefit the Internationale. Thus, while he states that in the event of war, he would send an expeditionary force to Canada, he also promises Draper to exert diplomatic pressure on Ottawa.
January 5, 1940
The German government issues a statement on the North American Crisis, as the events are now being called. Carl Friedrich Goerdeler supports the American claims but warns that if this conflict drags on, it will ultimately benefit the Third Internationale. Meanwhile, Savinkov also announces his support for MacArthur and Landon. The leaders of the Third Internationale gather in Calais to discuss possible courses of action. Ultimately, the Internationale decides to remain neutral and focus on preparing for the inevitable European war looming on the horizon.
January 8, 1940
An American patrol mistakenly crosses the Canadian border west of Lake Michigan. Upon spotting them, Canadian troops open fire, killing four American soldiers. In response, artillery units from the U.S. 3rd Army fire on Canadian positions. Though both Ottawa and Washington, D.C. manage to de-escalate the situation, the incident demonstrates that both sides are ready for war. Additionally, MacArthur convinces Landon and Marshall to deploy National Guard units within 50 miles of the border.
January 12, 1940
An American guerrilla unit assassinates the commander of the Boston garrison. General Pershing and the Yankee Rebellion claim responsibility. This only escalates tensions between the two powers. That same day, a Panamanian delegation arrives in Washington to negotiate the return of the canal. In Landon’s view, "They'll return it sooner than they think." Meanwhile, in the United States, the states within Military Districts 1 and 2 vote to rejoin the Union. With more than 90% in favor, the following states are reincorporated: California, Nevada, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Though they have yet to elect representatives, their democratic cycle will resume after the 1940 elections.
January 14, 1940
A series of phone calls conducted by Churchill and Edward VIII convince them that the Entente is not willing to fight for what Pétain describes as "a king’s pride." At 7:00 PM, both the British government-in-exile and the Canadian government meet with the King once more in Ottawa. After more than 28 hours of deliberations and voting, the government narrowly decides—by just three votes—to send Churchill to Washington to negotiate a treaty with Landon. The Prime Minister is set to arrive in Washington on January 16.
Photo of Prime Minister Churchill alongside General Eisenhower. The two men were very different, though they collaborated closely. Churchill, who had been elected Prime Minister after the defeat in the Great Indian Reunification War, was supported by Eisenhower, who was opposed to the war.
January 19, 1940
While Landon and Churchill meet in the capital, a squadron of Hawker Hurricanes is shot down by anti-aircraft batteries over Manhattan Island. Though this appears to sabotage the peace talks, Landon manages to convince Churchill to continue negotiations. Ultimately, they reach a resolution.
January 20, 1940
Congress and the Senate ratify the treaty. After much deliberation, Edward VIII does the same. In exchange for the cancellation of the Entente’s Great War debt, Canada agrees to withdraw from the occupied territories by January 24, fulfilling Landon's demands. However, they are granted an additional month to withdraw the Canadian fleet from Hawaii.
January 22, 1940
George Gallup conducts the first-ever popularity index poll. For Landon, the results show that over 47% of respondents (excluding those in the non-reincorporated territories) approve of his administration's actions. However, only 32% would vote for him in reelection. Meanwhile, MacArthur enjoys a 67% approval rating.
George Gallup (1901-1984) was an American statistician and journalist, famous for developing the modern method of public opinion polling. He founded the Gallup Poll, which revolutionized the way public opinion was measured in politics, business, and other fields. His system of probability sampling proved to be much more accurate than traditional methods, and his correct prediction of the electoral deadlock in 1932 and Reed's victory in 1936 cemented his reputation. Although he fled to Canada during the war, he returned to the U.S. after MacArthur's victory.
January 24, 1940
Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery and General Eisenhower shake hands following the withdrawal of the last Canadian soldier from American territory. Peace and the status quo have been restored. All of North America breathes a sigh of relief. From Alaska to Tampa, Florida, Americans flood the streets to celebrate victory.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The peace in our time! In the next chapter, William J. Prescott returns
One never knows. Despite the military reforms of McNair and MacArthur, we must not forget that only a year and a half has passed since the Civil War. Nor can we forget the quality of the Canadian forces, veterans of the India War. Or the Entente allies. Or the air force...Who knows?
In the end, maybe. No president has lost an election during wartime. And even if there hasn’t been a war in the end, we’ve seen how it has gained more popularity among Americans.
That's what I think too. What democracy are they going to defend if they destroy it themselves?
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Landon may need to go third-party (or independent) if he wants even the slightest chance of getting re-elected...
- 1
I'm glad Canada saw wisdom and backed down. They need America as a support against the 3I. Getting bogged down in a war against an otherwise friendly force wouldn't have helped that.
- 1
Had a feeling it would go that way. It would in the end have proven a very difficult war to sell for the Entente, and an easy one for the US, where the cost could be more easily justified.
Will he or won’t he? Will this Caesar want to just keep to soldiering instead or have another tilt at politics? It was the latter that killed his namesake, not the many battles he fought.
- 1
Interlude 4: The Car
Cowards die many times before their actual deaths.
- Julius Caesar
From the window of his Manhattan apartment, William J. Prescott looks outside. In the street, hundreds of people defy the cold and rain to celebrate that the nation had reunited. Many others had boarded trains and cars, ready to return to their properties in New England. But not William. He has other plans. However, he does want to celebrate. Carefully, he opens a bottle of champagne he inherited from his late father. With great care, he pours it into two glasses while checking the time. She should be arriving soon. Five minutes later, he hears the door open. A female voice calls from the entrance.
- Where are you?
- I'm in my office.
Seconds later, Helen enters. William smiles at her and gestures toward the glasses. She returns the smile.
- What are we celebrating? - she asks as she settles into William's armchair.
- Well.- he says, thoughtful. - We have a lot to celebrate.
- You've won a Pulitzer, for starters.
That was true. Thanks to his biography of MacArthur, The American Caesar, William had not only started working at the New York Times but had also gained considerable notoriety. So, after finishing a short biographical book about his platoon's experience in the Insulindian campaign, The Rice Paddy Company, he was surprised to learn he had been nominated for Biography of the Year by the committee. And being a semi-authorized biography of the Time Person of the Year in 1939, he knew he would win. Now the award, very similar to a Nobel, hung on the wall. But looking at it only reminded him of MacArthur. He hadn't spoken to the former president since that day at his estate. And that was strange.
- Well, the Pulitzer. What else?
- Hmm - she said, thinking.- Your promotion?
- No.- Then are we celebrating that America is reunited?
- Not that either. Give up?
- Alright.
William finished his glass and took Helen’s hand as he knelt down.
- We’re celebrating that I, William J. Prescott, am going to marry the beautiful Helen Park.
Helen blushed and laughed.
- You're quite the charmer, Will.
At that moment, they were interrupted by the sound of the office phone. Helen, being closer, picked it up.
- Mr. Prescott's residence - she said into the phone.
While William waited, Helen listened intently. After half a minute, she ended the call, looking very pale.
- I’ll let him know. Thank you, General.
William looked at her expectantly.
- Who was it?
She still looked pale.
- General MacArthur will pick you up in his car in twenty minutes. I don’t think we’ll be having dinner tonight. You should get ready.
William got into the car. The general, dressed in his uniform, was smoking his pipe. The air inside was thick with smoke. MacArthur gestured to the driver, who started the car.
- I congratulate you on your award, Prescott. You certainly deserve it.
- Thank you, General. Why did you call me here?
- Can’t I call on an old friend?
- I'm surprised you still consider me your friend, General. Especially after our last meeting.
William saw MacArthur smile warmly beneath his pipe.
- I'm a proud man, William. I won’t deny it. But as you saw in the congressional session, I realized you were right. Staying in power would have been unconstitutional.
- I'm glad you listened, General. Besides, I think you've come to see that sometimes being the power behind the scenes is even better.
MacArthur laughed.
- You think so? I’m no power behind the scenes, despite what people believe.
- With all due respect, General, don’t lie to me. Everyone knows President Landon can’t do much without your approval.
- He pardoned the traitors from the Pacific States. Doesn’t that contradict your theory?
- As a response to having his bill to limit Hoover vetoed. That was more the move of a petulant child than a political strategy.
- I see that, despite being away from the country, you've kept up with politics, William.
- It’s my job, General.
- I hear you're getting married. To Helen Park, if I’m not mistaken.
- You seem well-informed about my life, General.
- I know her father, Dr. Albert Park. He’s one of the White House physicians. If the daughter is like the father, you’ve chosen well, William.
- Thank you, General.
At that moment, the car stopped, unable to move further. People were still celebrating the victory over the Canadians.
- People have a lot to celebrate, William. It was difficult, but our national honor has been restored. We are a nation once again.
- That’s undeniable. Fortunately, we didn’t go to war with the Entente. That would have been a disaster.
MacArthur nodded.
- Luckily, Edward saw reason. A war between us would only benefit the Internationale, Germany, and Japan. Our nation is still recovering from the Civil War.
- Do you think we would have won a war against Canada?
- I couldn’t say. They have a strong and disciplined army. Many of them were born with the sole idea of returning to the islands and would fight to the death to do so. I would rather ally with the Entente against the syndicalist threat.
- On that, we agree, General. May I ask you something?
- Go ahead, Prescott.
- Would you do me the honor of attending my wedding, General?
- Of course, Prescott. Any other questions?
- Yes, actually…
At that moment, William saw through the window a man in a cap throwing an object toward the car. Before he could say anything, the noise came before the heat. Everything went black.
William J. Prescott woke up on the pavement, lifted by a man in a suit who was staining him with blood. He mentally checked his body. He had bruises, and his head was bleeding. He touched the wound. He quickly withdrew his hand. It hurt. A suited man approached, holding a pistol. He showed a badge.
- FBI. I'm Agent Wisner. What’s your name?
William took a moment to respond, still in shock.
- Excuse me. William Prescott. Journalist. I was… I was with the General. Is he alright?
- The General? - Wisner asked, confused.
- General MacArthur, officer.
Wisner’s face turned pale, and he rushed to the car. He called two of his agents, and together they pulled the General from the vehicle. He was covered in blood. Wisner sighed in relief upon finding a pulse.
- Get the medics here, now! - he barked at a nearby officer.
Chaos erupted in the street. People screamed, some ran for cover, others tried to help. Police sirens blared, and within minutes, the area was cordoned off. A medic kneeled beside MacArthur, checking his vitals. His face was grim.
- He's alive, but barely. We need to move him immediately.
William sat on the pavement, his head throbbing, watching as they carried the General away. The reality of what had just happened began to sink in.
- My God - one of the bystanders whispered, staring at the bloodied wreckage.
- Jasen! - shouted Wisner- . Get me an ambulance! What’s the nearest hospital?
- Mount Sinai, sir - answered the man in the suit.
- I need them to take the General there. Can you help us, Mr. Prescott?
William looked at the General, pale and seemingly unconscious. He nodded. Shortly after, Wisner and William headed to the hospital. As soon as they arrived, Wisner used his authority to give MacArthur priority. After an initial check-up, he was taken into surgery. He would need an operation. Several fragments had lodged into his back, posing a serious threat. They had to be removed.
Nearly an hour later, Wisner sat next to William and questioned him. William told him everything he knew. A little later, one of the agents whispered something into Wisner’s ear. He nodded and stood up.
- Thank you for your testimony, Mr. Prescott. Don’t worry. We’ll find whoever did this.
- Before you leave, is there any news on the General? And what about the car’s driver?
- You must understand that, for now, you won’t be able to publish anything about this.
- Don’t worry about that.
- The driver died upon impact from the improvised explosive. Fortunately, the General made it out of surgery. However, his fever has spiked, and he remains unconscious. We’ll have to pray for his recovery.
With that, Agent Wisner left, leaving William bewildered. Who could be insane enough to commit such an act?
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It's an option. But would he really have a chance? He doesn’t have his own positions; he’s just a moderate. We’ll see soon enough. The Republican primaries started on March 12 in real life.
Cowards die many times before their actual deaths.
- Julius Caesar
From the window of his Manhattan apartment, William J. Prescott looks outside. In the street, hundreds of people defy the cold and rain to celebrate that the nation had reunited. Many others had boarded trains and cars, ready to return to their properties in New England. But not William. He has other plans. However, he does want to celebrate. Carefully, he opens a bottle of champagne he inherited from his late father. With great care, he pours it into two glasses while checking the time. She should be arriving soon. Five minutes later, he hears the door open. A female voice calls from the entrance.
- Where are you?
- I'm in my office.
Seconds later, Helen enters. William smiles at her and gestures toward the glasses. She returns the smile.
- What are we celebrating? - she asks as she settles into William's armchair.
- Well.- he says, thoughtful. - We have a lot to celebrate.
- You've won a Pulitzer, for starters.
That was true. Thanks to his biography of MacArthur, The American Caesar, William had not only started working at the New York Times but had also gained considerable notoriety. So, after finishing a short biographical book about his platoon's experience in the Insulindian campaign, The Rice Paddy Company, he was surprised to learn he had been nominated for Biography of the Year by the committee. And being a semi-authorized biography of the Time Person of the Year in 1939, he knew he would win. Now the award, very similar to a Nobel, hung on the wall. But looking at it only reminded him of MacArthur. He hadn't spoken to the former president since that day at his estate. And that was strange.
- Well, the Pulitzer. What else?
- Hmm - she said, thinking.- Your promotion?
- No.- Then are we celebrating that America is reunited?
- Not that either. Give up?
- Alright.
William finished his glass and took Helen’s hand as he knelt down.
- We’re celebrating that I, William J. Prescott, am going to marry the beautiful Helen Park.
Helen blushed and laughed.
- You're quite the charmer, Will.
At that moment, they were interrupted by the sound of the office phone. Helen, being closer, picked it up.
- Mr. Prescott's residence - she said into the phone.
While William waited, Helen listened intently. After half a minute, she ended the call, looking very pale.
- I’ll let him know. Thank you, General.
William looked at her expectantly.
- Who was it?
She still looked pale.
- General MacArthur will pick you up in his car in twenty minutes. I don’t think we’ll be having dinner tonight. You should get ready.
William got into the car. The general, dressed in his uniform, was smoking his pipe. The air inside was thick with smoke. MacArthur gestured to the driver, who started the car.
- I congratulate you on your award, Prescott. You certainly deserve it.
- Thank you, General. Why did you call me here?
- Can’t I call on an old friend?
- I'm surprised you still consider me your friend, General. Especially after our last meeting.
William saw MacArthur smile warmly beneath his pipe.
- I'm a proud man, William. I won’t deny it. But as you saw in the congressional session, I realized you were right. Staying in power would have been unconstitutional.
- I'm glad you listened, General. Besides, I think you've come to see that sometimes being the power behind the scenes is even better.
MacArthur laughed.
- You think so? I’m no power behind the scenes, despite what people believe.
- With all due respect, General, don’t lie to me. Everyone knows President Landon can’t do much without your approval.
- He pardoned the traitors from the Pacific States. Doesn’t that contradict your theory?
- As a response to having his bill to limit Hoover vetoed. That was more the move of a petulant child than a political strategy.
- I see that, despite being away from the country, you've kept up with politics, William.
- It’s my job, General.
- I hear you're getting married. To Helen Park, if I’m not mistaken.
- You seem well-informed about my life, General.
- I know her father, Dr. Albert Park. He’s one of the White House physicians. If the daughter is like the father, you’ve chosen well, William.
- Thank you, General.
At that moment, the car stopped, unable to move further. People were still celebrating the victory over the Canadians.
- People have a lot to celebrate, William. It was difficult, but our national honor has been restored. We are a nation once again.
- That’s undeniable. Fortunately, we didn’t go to war with the Entente. That would have been a disaster.
MacArthur nodded.
- Luckily, Edward saw reason. A war between us would only benefit the Internationale, Germany, and Japan. Our nation is still recovering from the Civil War.
- Do you think we would have won a war against Canada?
- I couldn’t say. They have a strong and disciplined army. Many of them were born with the sole idea of returning to the islands and would fight to the death to do so. I would rather ally with the Entente against the syndicalist threat.
- On that, we agree, General. May I ask you something?
- Go ahead, Prescott.
- Would you do me the honor of attending my wedding, General?
- Of course, Prescott. Any other questions?
- Yes, actually…
At that moment, William saw through the window a man in a cap throwing an object toward the car. Before he could say anything, the noise came before the heat. Everything went black.
William J. Prescott woke up on the pavement, lifted by a man in a suit who was staining him with blood. He mentally checked his body. He had bruises, and his head was bleeding. He touched the wound. He quickly withdrew his hand. It hurt. A suited man approached, holding a pistol. He showed a badge.
- FBI. I'm Agent Wisner. What’s your name?
William took a moment to respond, still in shock.
- Excuse me. William Prescott. Journalist. I was… I was with the General. Is he alright?
- The General? - Wisner asked, confused.
- General MacArthur, officer.
Wisner’s face turned pale, and he rushed to the car. He called two of his agents, and together they pulled the General from the vehicle. He was covered in blood. Wisner sighed in relief upon finding a pulse.
- Get the medics here, now! - he barked at a nearby officer.
Chaos erupted in the street. People screamed, some ran for cover, others tried to help. Police sirens blared, and within minutes, the area was cordoned off. A medic kneeled beside MacArthur, checking his vitals. His face was grim.
- He's alive, but barely. We need to move him immediately.
William sat on the pavement, his head throbbing, watching as they carried the General away. The reality of what had just happened began to sink in.
- My God - one of the bystanders whispered, staring at the bloodied wreckage.
- Jasen! - shouted Wisner- . Get me an ambulance! What’s the nearest hospital?
- Mount Sinai, sir - answered the man in the suit.
- I need them to take the General there. Can you help us, Mr. Prescott?
William looked at the General, pale and seemingly unconscious. He nodded. Shortly after, Wisner and William headed to the hospital. As soon as they arrived, Wisner used his authority to give MacArthur priority. After an initial check-up, he was taken into surgery. He would need an operation. Several fragments had lodged into his back, posing a serious threat. They had to be removed.
Nearly an hour later, Wisner sat next to William and questioned him. William told him everything he knew. A little later, one of the agents whispered something into Wisner’s ear. He nodded and stood up.
- Thank you for your testimony, Mr. Prescott. Don’t worry. We’ll find whoever did this.
- Before you leave, is there any news on the General? And what about the car’s driver?
- You must understand that, for now, you won’t be able to publish anything about this.
- Don’t worry about that.
- The driver died upon impact from the improvised explosive. Fortunately, the General made it out of surgery. However, his fever has spiked, and he remains unconscious. We’ll have to pray for his recovery.
With that, Agent Wisner left, leaving William bewildered. Who could be insane enough to commit such an act?
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It's an option. But would he really have a chance? He doesn’t have his own positions; he’s just a moderate. We’ll see soon enough. The Republican primaries started on March 12 in real life.
Don't get ahead of yourself!
Undoubtedly, this war would be pointless for both sides. Let's hope that peace reigns now. Or not?
Well, I think I've mentioned this before. It's a possibility. But the Democrats hate and fear him. The Republicans are still fighting among Landon, Dewey, and Taft. The will need some luck.
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I think this assassination attempt will end poorly for whoever was behind it...
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I hope William eventually gets the chance for a proper proposal. Though his mind now has other priorities...
Assassinations never end well, for anyone. Franz Ferdinand's sparked WWI.
Someone who is insane. That's one choice. But I don't think this is a Guiteau-Garfield situation.
A Syndicalist? Perhaps. Or someone who was made to look like one.
Has the Triumvirate played their hand early? Has Edgar Hoover gone behind Ike's back?
Or, is this the General's own doing? Making himself a martyr through severe injury, but leaving himself just enough alive to benefit.
Now that would be an insane act.
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Indeed it would have.
What was the date of this attack - not the Ides of March?
Just curious (if you don’t mind answering the question - was this a game event or dramatic narrative? Enjoyed the interlude, anyway.- 1
Chapter 21: The Spark That Ignites the Fuse.
"In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies."
-Winston Churchill.
On January 25, 1940, an American man named Arnold Rayne threw a dynamite cartridge at General MacArthur’s vehicle. Fortunately, the General was traveling in a car that had been seized by the FBI just before the Civil War, the armored car of Al Capone. After the mob boss’s death in 1934, Hoover had requisitioned the vehicle for personal use. However, it was gifted to MacArthur at the end of the Civil War.
Al Capone's 1928 Cadillac. After his death in 1934 in an ambush by another criminal group, many of his personal belongings were put on the market, including his armored car. In the opinion of many, it was the first armored vehicle in the world. After being donated to MacArthur in 1938, the car was partially destroyed in the assassination attempt. In the photo, we can see a modern reconstruction at the MacArthur Museum in New York.
The car’s armor did not prevent MacArthur’s orderly from dying in the attack, nor did it spare the General from sustaining serious injuries. Several pieces of shrapnel lodged in his body, particularly fragments of the car’s metal near his spine. As soon as he was found, the FBI rushed him to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Though he survived without major complications, he remained in a deep feverish sleep. At that moment, Agent Winser, a special officer under Edgar Hoover, took command of all military and police units on Manhattan Island. He swiftly ordered bridge checkpoints and estuary patrols to ensure the assassin could not escape the city.
When news reached Washington, D.C., panic ensued. MacArthur was a cornerstone of the regime, without him, everything seemed on the verge of collapse. Even Landon understood this and considered flying to New York to visit the General, but the Triumvirate prevented him. Hoover was dispatched north as the government’s representative, accompanied by Treasury Secretary Robert Wagner. The rest of the administration remained on high alert. As a precaution, Eisenhower ordered U.S. troops to begin training and establishing themselves along the newly defined Canadian border, a wise decision. Upon arriving in Manhattan, Hoover quickly met with Wisner, who briefed him on the situation. After finally eliminating Gus Hall’s communist guerrillas and forcing him to flee to Canada, Wisner had been reassigned to coordinate American guerrillas in New England from across the border. However, he soon realized that his efforts were being thwarted by a journalist: Kim Philby.
This charming journalist had a long history. His family had gone into exile during the British Revolution of 1925 due to their noble status. They traveled across various dominions, including India and Australia, before finally settling in Canada. There, Philby graduated with honors in history and economics. However, some predicted that this brilliant young man’s star would soon fade. In early 1931, he worked as the treasurer for the CCF—the closest thing to a Labour Party that the British-Canadian establishment had tolerated since the revolution. In fact, he was even arrested for a brawl between second-generation British nationalists and Canadian socialists. But after this, his political stance seemed to shift entirely. Upon his release, he became an economic correspondent for The Times. But that was not all. He also served as a war correspondent for the nationalist government in Buenos Aires during the Southern Cone War, earning the nickname "The Briton." This catapulted him to fame and led to his appointment as a naval attaché in the Canadian embassy, which had been relocated to New York.
During the crisis leading up to the assassination attempt on MacArthur, Philby foiled several FBI operations, leading Winser to suspect that he was an MI6 agent. Winser personally tracked him, even after the territorial handovers. Thus, on January 25, Winser observed a secret meeting between a dockworker, Arnold Rayne, and Philby, during which Philby handed Rayne a package. Afterward, the two men parted ways. Winser chose to follow Rayne, arriving mere seconds after the attack on MacArthur.
Frank Gardiner Wisner (June 23, 1909 - ?) began his career as a special envoy of Hoover's FBI during the Second Civil War, handling some of Hoover's most unpleasant tasks. After the Civil War and during the Landon Administration, he was awarded for hunting down the last syndicalist guerrillas of Gus Hall. After (REDACTED), he rose through the ranks of AEGIS until (REDACTED). Being a quiet and discreet man, this is the only photo of him that has been preserved.
In Winser’s view, the Canadians were behind the assassination attempt. After hearing his agent’s report, Hoover called Landon to relay the events. Though Landon attempted to pressure the Canadians through J.P. Morgan, a humiliated Edward VIII refused to even confirm Philby’s presence at the embassy. However, Hoover was not about to let things slide. To this day, it remains uncertain whether the administration authorized Hoover’s FBI agents to raid the embassy. Led by Winser, his men surrounded the embassy and stormed it on the night of January 26. While they successfully captured Philby, two Canadian soldiers were killed in the reckless assault. Officially, U.S. soldiers had entered Canadian territory, kidnapped an officer (intelligence or not), and killed two of their soldiers. Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery ordered a general mobilization. In response, the already-prepared U.S. forces intensified their drills along the border, occasionally crossing a few dozen meters while being observed by Canadian troops. The Americans seemed ready for war.
Meanwhile, the entire Canadian government opposed the idea of war. Without full control over New England, the distance between U.S. troops and the capital was dangerously short, they could seize it in a matter of days, if not hours. Despite Montgomery’s orders, the King instructed his commanders not to engage unless directly threatened. However, Edward VIII also refused to appear weak. He deployed the Royal British Fleet when Halsey’s 1st Fleet was spotted less than 1,000 kilometers from Halifax. Meanwhile, Pétain began sending 20,000 troops under the command of General Charles de Gaulle, disposing of a political rival while supporting his only hope of reclaiming the homeland.
Photo of Charles de Gaulle inspecting the Légion Lafayette outside of Dakar. The deployment of these 20,000 soldiers was how National France repaid the support that Exiled Britain had given them during the colonial uprisings of '37. In command of these forces was de Gaulle, who had not only stood out during the insurgencies but also represented the political faction of the Army that supported the royal restoration.
One of the key figures working to bring both sides to the negotiating table was J.P. Morgan. Having played a crucial role in financing MacArthur’s coup, he had been appointed ambassador to Canada. Unfortunately, his fever kept him out of action during the first half of the crisis. Determined to take a more active role in the second half, he sought to defuse tensions. However, his efforts were in vain after the events of January 27. First, a platoon of American soldiers got lost north of Minnesota, unknowingly crossing into Canadian territory. A rookie Canadian commander mistakenly believed it was the beginning of an invasion and ordered them gunned down. Twenty-two U.S. soldiers perished under a hail of machine-gun fire, while three were critically wounded. In retaliation, American artillery bombarded the sector,a serious escalation toward open conflict.
155mm American artillery piece somewhere on the Canadian border. Although American doctrine was still in development, the Civil War and overseas interventions had demonstrated the importance of modernized artillery. For this reason, MacArthur and McNair ensured that all units had at least one company of artillery.
However, the true revelation came when Philby, in a recorded statement and before the press, confessed to being an MI6 spy and orchestrating MacArthur’s assassination attempt. This was too much for Edward VIII, who launched a purge within his security services and ordered both the Mounted Police and the military to arrest all American citizens in Imperial territories.
When the world awoke on January 28, there was both good and bad news: General MacArthur had regained consciousness. His surgeries had gone well, and he was on the path to recovery. However, doctors had refused to remove a piece of aluminum lodged in his back, fearing it could kill him or leave him paralyzed. This would cause him lifelong back pain. Against medical advice, he discharged himself and flew to the capital. By the afternoon, he was meeting with his cabinet at the White House. Then, around 11 p.m., news arrived of J.P. Morgan’s assassination less than 11 miles from the border. His car was found partially burned, with his body and that of his escort discovered a few meters away, both executed.
The murder of an ambassador and former Secretary of State was too much. Landon and MacArthur addressed the nation over the radio, blaming Canada. In response, Canada accused the FBI, claiming that Morgan’s murder was an internal purge due to the ambassador’s incompetence. To this day, the identity of the assassins remains uncertain. However, the findings of the Carver Commission suggest the true culprits, though that is a story for another time. Both Germany and Russia attempted to mediate between the American powers, but to no avail. The situation only needed one final spark to erupt into war. On February 31, the merchant ship RMS Lusitania was sunk by an American submarine 200 miles off Halifax, carrying over 2,000 Canadian troops returning from garrison duty in the Caribbean.
The RMS Lusitania was a British transatlantic liner designed by Leonard Peskett and built at the John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank (Scotland) for the prestigious Cunard Line. During World War I, it served as a passenger ship and for shipping armaments to the Entente powers. Thanks to the elimination of the Unrestricted U-boat Warfare policy, it survived the war intact and, after the British Revolution, was requisitioned by the Royal Navy as a troop transport in peacetime. Here we can see a depiction of its sinking from a Canadian newspaper.
The American submarine allegedly fired by mistake, accidentally triggering a torpedo. It was fatal. Nearly all the soldiers perished, to the horror of the world and the delight of the Internationale. At 2:00 p.m., King Edward VIII declared war on the United States of America.
The American-Canadian War had begun.
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Well, it seems that war never changes. Now we’ll have to see if Edward VIII and the Windsors can survive against America. Can a King defeat a Caesar?
Without a doubt, Canada and Kim Philby are going to have a tough time. Some of you may see where I’m going with this. If not, it will become clear later on.
Well, we all wish for William to be happy. But for now, he should prepare himself. He’s going to have a lot to cover.
And the assassination attempt on MacArthur in the American-Canadian War.
I had to look up the Guiteau-Garfield incident. Undoubtedly, U.S. history is very interesting. Surely, many would benefit from the General being out of action. Luckily, he survived. And it's clear that it was the Canadians who tried to kill him, right?
Well, now that I think about it... I don't think it's in Germany's best interest for the only two groups of powers that don't have territorial claims against it to fight each other.
Time to be honestWhat was the date of this attack - not the Ides of March?
As soon as I started playing, I installed a mod that allowed the US to have other foreign policy alternatives (in vanilla Kaiserreich, it only has the options of the Entente, Isolationism, and Lend-lease). However, for that, the war with Canada has to break out. And that's why I had the AI programmed to NOT return New England to me. It did anyway. But if I wanted to continue the story as I had envisioned, I needed the war. I think the assassination adds a lot more to the story, in addition to having strong ramifications for the future. Luckily, it hasn't been a walk in the park (in the first game I tried, I defeated Canada with less than 1K casualties and in a month).- 2
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Depending on how long this war with Canada lasts, it might have ramifications for the upcoming election...
Great update!
Nice use of Philby in an alt context.
Seems pretty likely on the evidence presented.
A major escalation. Of course Hoover authorised it, but he would never do so in writing. I think a "who will grab me of this troublesome agent" moment would have happened with Wisner, plus a nod and a wink.
OK, even if with some residual pain, the Caesar survives his drive to the Forum. Luckier than his namesake.
Oh, a juicy little teaser there. In the end, the provenance matters less than what was made of it, but it would be interesting to find out conclusively for historical purposes. A few good movies and docos will be made about it, plus a bunch of colourful conspiracy theories for decades to come.
Another nice re-purposing of OTL events.
Dah, dah, DAAAAHHH!
Thanks for explaining.
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So no tax evasion this timeline?
A nice reference here.
The US has a much shorter border now with New England regained. I don't expect this to go well for Canada. It won't be easy for the US either, but they're more likely ot win.
Edgar Hoover seemed to really want to escalate this into war. For what reason, only he knows...
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Canada is getting that shotgun wedding. The question is, what is Hoover getting from the whole deal? He must have a motive to gain more power but I don't see how.
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Chapter 22: The British King vs. the American Caesar (Part 1)
"The first duty of a leader is optimism. How does your subordinate feel after meeting with you? Does he feel uplifted? If not, you are not a leader."
- Bernard Law Montgomery
Following Edward VIII’s declaration of war, American troops entrenched themselves along the border for the first 24 hours, expecting a surprise Canadian attack. However, aside from a few infiltration attempts, the front remained relatively calm, with only aviation and artillery striking enemy targets. Many American generals did not initially understand the British-Canadian strategy, though, in hindsight, it had its merits.
After the British exile to Canada, the Anglo-Canadian General Staff recognized that one of their greatest threats came from the south—the United States of America. As a result, they developed contingency plans to secure a potential victory. Despite Canada’s elite and well-trained military, it could not compete with the manpower and material resources of the United States. Though the U.S. Army did not begin expanding until 1936, just before the Second American Civil War, Canada knew Washington, D.C. could mobilize reservists and resources that would provide a long-term advantage.
From 1925 to 1933, the British-Canadian military strategy was centered around Operation Blue Lightning, a rapid Entente advance down the U.S. East Coast from Canada, supplemented by an amphibious landing in Florida, with the ultimate goal of linking the two fronts. Once these areas were occupied, the plan became increasingly unrealistic. The Canadians would either continue advancing or fortify their positions, but either way, a collaborationist government would be established to exploit American resources. While the strategy may seem overly ambitious, it must be remembered that until 1936, the Entente army outnumbered the U.S. military six to one. However, the planners failed to consider key factors such as militias, the growing strength of the American Air Corps, and scorched-earth tactics. Furthermore, the plan relied heavily on surprise and the capture of the U.S. president in Washington.
However, in 1932, the Socialist American Party achieved a remarkable electoral result, finishing second and coming within a few votes of overtaking the Democrats. Though Hoover was re-elected by a razor-thin margin, the Canadian government took this as a sign that America could descend into socialism. In response, Field Marshal Sir Alan Francis Brooke assigned a divisional commander, Bernard Law Montgomery, to develop a new defense plan against the United States. Montgomery immediately assessed the 1925 plan and dismissed it as, in his own words, "the fever dream of a couple of incompetent staff officers." Recognizing the need for a more grounded approach, Montgomery devised Operation Northern Firm.
The core of this plan was attritional warfare. Montgomery believed that an expensive and bloody conflict would be unpopular in the U.S., forcing Washington to negotiate peace. Urban and partisan warfare would delay the American advance while larger military units prepared to defend Canada’s most critical population and production centers. Halifax, in Montgomery’s view, was the key to Canada’s survival, if the Americans seized the port, the war was lost. Despite expected U.S. naval interference, Halifax would be the primary entry point for reinforcements and supplies from the rest of the Entente. Furthermore, Montgomery envisioned Halifax as the launching point for the Canadian counteroffensive to reclaim the country, making its defense non-negotiable.
Further west lay the heart of Canada and Montgomery’s defensive stronghold: The Three Cities. To the south stood Ottawa, where the Ottawa River would serve as both a defensive line and a potential fallback position. Montgomery aimed to conduct delaying actions along key locations leading to the capital to minimize civilian suffering. However, he also recognized that a retreat into the city would allow for strong fortifications and urban guerrilla warfare.
Guerrillas of British heritage near Calgary on February 14, 1940. Although the Operation Northern Firm was ultimately not carried out, Montgomery established collaborations with various civil organizations throughout Canada. However, the population's exhaustion with Edward VIII's despotic government led many Canadians to welcome the American troops with open arms.
Following the Ottawa River was Montreal, where Montgomery planned for a decisive battle. Unlike Ottawa, which was primarily valuable as the capital, Montreal’s terrain and river system would be used to trap and devastate U.S. forces. Drawing from his experiences in the Birmingham siege during Britain’s civil war, Montgomery intended to force the Americans into brutal house-to-house combat, where well-placed artillery, traps, and urban fighters would inflict heavy casualties—turning the city into a new Verdun.
Finally, there was Quebec, a politically sensitive location due to its Francophone population and historical American courting of Quebecois separatists. To counteract potential defections, Montgomery heavily militarized the region and planned for Quebec to serve as both a supply hub and an escape route for the royal family if needed. Regarding Toronto, Montgomery believed the city’s geography made it naturally defensible and left its fortifications largely unchanged.
In the west, Montgomery saw little hope of prolonged resistance. However, with support from the Indian Raj, Vancouver could be defended as a secondary counteroffensive point. Meanwhile, Montgomery sought to turn Calgary into another bloody attritional battle. The harsh winters and the Rocky Mountains would slow the American advance, while urban fighting and rural guerrillas would wreak havoc on U.S. supply lines. Though Montgomery considered both Calgary and Winnipeg lost causes, he believed Calgary offered the opportunity to "turn a near-certain defeat into an nightmare for the Americans."
Naturally, Montgomery’s plan was heavily criticized. It was not only seen as alarmist, assuming the U.S. would inevitably rebuild its military, but also as a strategy that callously sacrificed civilians. Fortunately for Montgomery, Operation Northern Firm was never publicly disclosed beyond British military circles. Had the Canadian public learned of it, his career would have been over. In a sense, it was. Montgomery was reassigned to South Africa as a military attaché, far from any chance of glory. However, the fall of South Africa to socialism and the Indian Reunification War brought him back into prominence. Field Marshal Brooke appointed Montgomery as his deputy, and after Brooke’s death from an artillery strike, Bernard Law Montgomery was promoted to Field Marshal by the King. Once the Indian War concluded and MacArthur’s America prepared for war, Montgomery attempted to refine Operation Northern Firm, but by then, it was too late.
Three key factors prevented its execution:
Now, with war looming, we can finally examine the operations on the ground.
Several hours after the declaration of war, President Alf Landon met with the Panamanian delegation at the White House. The delegation, recognizing that America was now fully committed to war and that its conflict with Canada would make it less inclined to respect smaller nations' sovereignty, offered to sell the canal for $100 million. In the end, they agreed on a price of $30 million plus an annual payment of $1 million. Admiral Halsey quickly dispatched a squadron to secure the canal, delivering a heavy blow to the Canadians, who had previously been able to use it by paying the Panamanian government. Now, if they wanted to move their fleet from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, they would have to sail all the way around Argentina.
However, not all the news was good. The government of Hawaii, which was set to reintegrate into the United States within a month, declared itself the spiritual successor to the Pacific States and, in a radio broadcast, urged all American citizens to rise up against the "false Republican Party, which has become the puppet of your new King: Douglas MacArthur I." Though the authenticity of the quote is uncertain, MacArthur is said to have laughed and remarked that he was not a king but rather a Caesar. In any case, the broadcast had little impact and was barely heard in American territories.
In the West, the 3rd Army launched a general offensive, advancing steadily across the open terrain. However, this was not a sign of a complete collapse of Canadian defenses but rather part of a calculated strategy devised by Bernard Law Montgomery. The British general, aware of the disparity in firepower and manpower between the two sides, had ordered a gradual withdrawal toward major urban centers, hoping to turn the cities into bastions of resistance. Despite this, cracks in Canadian morale soon became evident. Reports of isolated mutinies and the surrender of entire units began to surface, signaling the growing discontent within the ranks.
Meanwhile, in the East, American forces made rapid progress. U.S. Marines successfully secured the Ontario Peninsula and laid siege to Toronto, where fierce urban combat unfolded. However, thanks to their extensive experience in city fighting, the Marines managed to break the Canadian resistance, and by February 10, Toronto had fallen. On that same day, further south, the main defensive line in front of Ottawa collapsed under the relentless assault of General Omar Bradley’s battle-hardened troops. Sensing imminent victory, Bradley contacted the King’s headquarters and proposed a 24-hour ceasefire to allow civilians to evacuate the Canadian capital before a full-scale assault. However, instead of an organized evacuation, the city descended into chaos. Mass protests erupted across Ottawa as citizens, already disillusioned with Edward VIII’s rule, took to the streets. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, with police forces unable to contain the growing unrest. Faced with the possibility of an open rebellion within his own capital, the King fled north aboard an armored train, leaving the government in disarray.
As Ottawa plunged into turmoil, the republican opposition seized the opportunity. On February 10, William Lyon Mackenzie King, leader of the liberal pro-republican movement, emerged from hiding and made his way to the outskirts of the city. There, he attempted to contact the military commander responsible for Ottawa’s defense, hoping to negotiate the city's surrender and prevent further bloodshed. However, his efforts were in vain. The commander, a British officer loyal to the Crown, promptly had King arrested. Despite this, he refused to execute him, recognizing that the opposition leader could prove useful as a bargaining chip in future negotiations.
The American offensive was progressing on multiple fronts. That same day, Lieutenant General Matthew Ridgway, commanding the 2nd Corps under Bradley’s overall leadership, led his troops into the outskirts of Montreal. Although the Canadians had fortified the city in preparation for a major battle, the decisive engagement Montgomery had anticipated never came. The prolonged fighting, coupled with mounting losses and dwindling supplies, had drained the defenders’ will to fight. Exhausted and demoralized, many Canadian troops either withdrew deeper into the city or simply surrendered. Further east, General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s forces continued their push toward Halifax. Though Canadian defensive positions were still holding, it was becoming increasingly clear that their resistance was unsustainable in the long run.
By February 25, after securing decisive victories in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, General Douglas MacArthur formally reported to President Landon that the first phase of Operation Fallen Crown had been successfully completed. The Entente had lost control of most of Canada, with only a few strongholds remaining. Quebec was under a heavy American siege, Vancouver remained isolated on the Pacific coast, and Halifax, though still resisting, was facing an inevitable encirclement.
The following day, on February 26, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made a dramatic move. Recognizing that continued resistance would only lead to further devastation, he reached out to the United States through the German embassy in Washington, D.C., signaling Canada’s willingness to negotiate a peace settlement. However, the Canadian government set three firm conditions. First, the United States had to agree to cease all political interference in Canadian affairs and formally withdraw its support for Mackenzie King’s republican movement. Second, all British-born prisoners captured during the war were to be released, though notably, no mention was made of Canadian captives. Third, Kim Philby was to be handed over to Canadian authorities so that he could be tried in their courts.
In exchange for these concessions, Churchill proposed several terms that could make the deal more appealing to Washington. He offered the establishment of American military bases on Canadian soil, granting the U.S. military a permanent foothold in North America. Additionally, he promised favorable economic conditions for American corporations, allowing them to establish businesses in Canada with significant financial incentives, particularly in resource extraction industries. Churchill also acknowledged the possibility of paying reparations for the war, though he made it clear that this would be subject to negotiation. Finally, he suggested the potential transfer of certain overseas territories to the United States, though he firmly stated that no part of the Canadian mainland would ever be relinquished.
With the war nearing its final stages, the question remained: would Washington accept these terms, or would the United States push for a total and unconditional victory?
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Well, this marks the first part of the Canadian conflict… and perhaps the last. I felt it was important to discuss Canada’s defensive strategies and how they were ultimately sabotaged by Edward VIII’s absolutism. The national spirits you saw were something I had saved on my computer—probably a Reddit screenshot from someone else. Regardless, they serve as a great visual representation of the fragile state of Edward VIII’s Canada and how it collapsed from within. They also help explain why a recently reunified America, still recovering from its own civil war, was able to crush a major power like Canada so swiftly.
I’ve always felt that AARs tend to overlook just how precarious Canada’s position is in Kaiserreich. On top of that, the idea that Canada could lose 500,000 soldiers (as happened in my playthrough) and still function as if nothing happened—let alone justify a war against Panama—feels completely unrealistic. The same could be said for National France, though at least they have native uprisings to keep things somewhat grounded.
So, as we’ve seen, Canada’s defense (based on a modern theoretical strategy ) has completely fallen apart, not just because of the American offensive but because of internal divisions, low morale, and Edward VIII’s absolute rule. Montgomery and his commanders had solid plans to slow down the invasion, but with the country practically tearing itself apart, there was never really a chance for a long-term defense.
Now the big question is: what’s Landon (and, let’s be real, MacArthur) going to do about Churchill’s peace offer? Canada’s barely holding on, with most of its major cities either occupied or under siege. The Entente is running out of options fast. But the deal on the table isn’t exactly perfect—America would have to back off from supporting the republican movement. Will Washington go all the way for total victory, or will it take the offer and move on to bigger things? However this plays out, it’s going to shape North America’s future for years to come.
I haven’t had much time to write this week, but fortunately, I already have the next three updates written and ready to go. That should help keep things moving despite my busy schedule. I'm really looking forward to finally reaching the elections—there’s so much to unfold, and I can't wait to share all the twists, turns, and surprises that are coming. It’s going to be a crucial moment in the story, and I hope you’ll all enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed building up to it!
Without revealing too much, his true goal appears to be securing federal authorization for the FBI to operate abroad legally—something the agency is already doing behind the scenes. We’ve seen evidence of this through its secret funding of republican movements in Canada, actions taken without formal approval from the government. By bringing these covert operations into the open and legitimizing them, Hoover could transform the FBI into a global intelligence force rather than just a domestic agency.
Furthermore, war—or even the looming threat of war—creates the perfect environment for Hoover to push his agenda. If the country is engaged in conflict or facing a serious external threat, it becomes much easier for him to justify the need for expanded FBI operations and increased federal funding. A nation at war is far more willing to grant extraordinary powers to its security agencies, and Hoover understands this better than anyone. He doesn’t necessarily need to want the war—he just needs to ensure that, whatever happens, the FBI emerges from it stronger than ever.
"The first duty of a leader is optimism. How does your subordinate feel after meeting with you? Does he feel uplifted? If not, you are not a leader."
- Bernard Law Montgomery
Following Edward VIII’s declaration of war, American troops entrenched themselves along the border for the first 24 hours, expecting a surprise Canadian attack. However, aside from a few infiltration attempts, the front remained relatively calm, with only aviation and artillery striking enemy targets. Many American generals did not initially understand the British-Canadian strategy, though, in hindsight, it had its merits.
After the British exile to Canada, the Anglo-Canadian General Staff recognized that one of their greatest threats came from the south—the United States of America. As a result, they developed contingency plans to secure a potential victory. Despite Canada’s elite and well-trained military, it could not compete with the manpower and material resources of the United States. Though the U.S. Army did not begin expanding until 1936, just before the Second American Civil War, Canada knew Washington, D.C. could mobilize reservists and resources that would provide a long-term advantage.
From 1925 to 1933, the British-Canadian military strategy was centered around Operation Blue Lightning, a rapid Entente advance down the U.S. East Coast from Canada, supplemented by an amphibious landing in Florida, with the ultimate goal of linking the two fronts. Once these areas were occupied, the plan became increasingly unrealistic. The Canadians would either continue advancing or fortify their positions, but either way, a collaborationist government would be established to exploit American resources. While the strategy may seem overly ambitious, it must be remembered that until 1936, the Entente army outnumbered the U.S. military six to one. However, the planners failed to consider key factors such as militias, the growing strength of the American Air Corps, and scorched-earth tactics. Furthermore, the plan relied heavily on surprise and the capture of the U.S. president in Washington.
However, in 1932, the Socialist American Party achieved a remarkable electoral result, finishing second and coming within a few votes of overtaking the Democrats. Though Hoover was re-elected by a razor-thin margin, the Canadian government took this as a sign that America could descend into socialism. In response, Field Marshal Sir Alan Francis Brooke assigned a divisional commander, Bernard Law Montgomery, to develop a new defense plan against the United States. Montgomery immediately assessed the 1925 plan and dismissed it as, in his own words, "the fever dream of a couple of incompetent staff officers." Recognizing the need for a more grounded approach, Montgomery devised Operation Northern Firm.
The core of this plan was attritional warfare. Montgomery believed that an expensive and bloody conflict would be unpopular in the U.S., forcing Washington to negotiate peace. Urban and partisan warfare would delay the American advance while larger military units prepared to defend Canada’s most critical population and production centers. Halifax, in Montgomery’s view, was the key to Canada’s survival, if the Americans seized the port, the war was lost. Despite expected U.S. naval interference, Halifax would be the primary entry point for reinforcements and supplies from the rest of the Entente. Furthermore, Montgomery envisioned Halifax as the launching point for the Canadian counteroffensive to reclaim the country, making its defense non-negotiable.
Further west lay the heart of Canada and Montgomery’s defensive stronghold: The Three Cities. To the south stood Ottawa, where the Ottawa River would serve as both a defensive line and a potential fallback position. Montgomery aimed to conduct delaying actions along key locations leading to the capital to minimize civilian suffering. However, he also recognized that a retreat into the city would allow for strong fortifications and urban guerrilla warfare.
Guerrillas of British heritage near Calgary on February 14, 1940. Although the Operation Northern Firm was ultimately not carried out, Montgomery established collaborations with various civil organizations throughout Canada. However, the population's exhaustion with Edward VIII's despotic government led many Canadians to welcome the American troops with open arms.
Following the Ottawa River was Montreal, where Montgomery planned for a decisive battle. Unlike Ottawa, which was primarily valuable as the capital, Montreal’s terrain and river system would be used to trap and devastate U.S. forces. Drawing from his experiences in the Birmingham siege during Britain’s civil war, Montgomery intended to force the Americans into brutal house-to-house combat, where well-placed artillery, traps, and urban fighters would inflict heavy casualties—turning the city into a new Verdun.
Finally, there was Quebec, a politically sensitive location due to its Francophone population and historical American courting of Quebecois separatists. To counteract potential defections, Montgomery heavily militarized the region and planned for Quebec to serve as both a supply hub and an escape route for the royal family if needed. Regarding Toronto, Montgomery believed the city’s geography made it naturally defensible and left its fortifications largely unchanged.
In the west, Montgomery saw little hope of prolonged resistance. However, with support from the Indian Raj, Vancouver could be defended as a secondary counteroffensive point. Meanwhile, Montgomery sought to turn Calgary into another bloody attritional battle. The harsh winters and the Rocky Mountains would slow the American advance, while urban fighting and rural guerrillas would wreak havoc on U.S. supply lines. Though Montgomery considered both Calgary and Winnipeg lost causes, he believed Calgary offered the opportunity to "turn a near-certain defeat into an nightmare for the Americans."
Naturally, Montgomery’s plan was heavily criticized. It was not only seen as alarmist, assuming the U.S. would inevitably rebuild its military, but also as a strategy that callously sacrificed civilians. Fortunately for Montgomery, Operation Northern Firm was never publicly disclosed beyond British military circles. Had the Canadian public learned of it, his career would have been over. In a sense, it was. Montgomery was reassigned to South Africa as a military attaché, far from any chance of glory. However, the fall of South Africa to socialism and the Indian Reunification War brought him back into prominence. Field Marshal Brooke appointed Montgomery as his deputy, and after Brooke’s death from an artillery strike, Bernard Law Montgomery was promoted to Field Marshal by the King. Once the Indian War concluded and MacArthur’s America prepared for war, Montgomery attempted to refine Operation Northern Firm, but by then, it was too late.
Three key factors prevented its execution:
- The Canadian people's morale was broken, and so was the King: Years of war had drained the nation’s spirit. Many Canadians were tired of fighting for a monarch who had stripped them of their rights, and even second-generation immigrants who had fled Britain’s revolution began favoring Edward’s abdication. Over 500,000 men had perished in the Indian Reunification War, deepening public resentment. Meanwhile, Edward VIII had spent all of 1940 secluded in his castle, increasingly paranoid and detached from reality. His government was paralyzed, and in Australia and the West Indies, governors-general, many of them royal family members, were contemplating breaking away from Ottawa, whether through war or negotiation. To make matters worse, the Canadian population began rioting in the cities, feeling that they were being forced to fight for Edward VIII’s crazy ideas. This was one of the major problems of his reign: unlike his father, he had failed to sell the idea of the Empire as something that also belonged to the Canadians. As a result, the war was widely unpopular among the population. As a result, new parties emerged alongside Democratic Renewal Alliance. Following Savinkov’s national populism, the Nationalist Party of Free Canada was founded. Despite Edward VIII banning political parties during the war, polls at the time indicated that, in the event of an election, the Conservative Party would barely secure 17% of the vote, with the rest of the population supporting the Republican parties.
- The British-Canadian Army had been scarred Edward’s “mad wars” had drained its strength, and the once-elite force was increasingly sidelined in favor of the King’s “Black Guard.” This personal military force was replacing regular army units in key positions, creating resentment within the ranks. Returning soldiers, far from being honored, were neglected and often deployed to suppress domestic unrest instead of defending Canada’s borders. Despite these sentiments, Canadian soldiers defended what they considered their homeland from the Americans.
- The economy was collapsing: Though it had been geared toward war production since 1937 under Edward’s rule, the defense industry boom ended with the Indian War. By late 1939, Canada’s economy suffered a minor collapse, which was only worsened by the Second Black Monday and U.S. sanctions. Without American trade, industries struggled, and inflation soared, further destabilizing the country just as war with the United States became inevitable.
Now, with war looming, we can finally examine the operations on the ground.
Several hours after the declaration of war, President Alf Landon met with the Panamanian delegation at the White House. The delegation, recognizing that America was now fully committed to war and that its conflict with Canada would make it less inclined to respect smaller nations' sovereignty, offered to sell the canal for $100 million. In the end, they agreed on a price of $30 million plus an annual payment of $1 million. Admiral Halsey quickly dispatched a squadron to secure the canal, delivering a heavy blow to the Canadians, who had previously been able to use it by paying the Panamanian government. Now, if they wanted to move their fleet from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, they would have to sail all the way around Argentina.
However, not all the news was good. The government of Hawaii, which was set to reintegrate into the United States within a month, declared itself the spiritual successor to the Pacific States and, in a radio broadcast, urged all American citizens to rise up against the "false Republican Party, which has become the puppet of your new King: Douglas MacArthur I." Though the authenticity of the quote is uncertain, MacArthur is said to have laughed and remarked that he was not a king but rather a Caesar. In any case, the broadcast had little impact and was barely heard in American territories.
In the West, the 3rd Army launched a general offensive, advancing steadily across the open terrain. However, this was not a sign of a complete collapse of Canadian defenses but rather part of a calculated strategy devised by Bernard Law Montgomery. The British general, aware of the disparity in firepower and manpower between the two sides, had ordered a gradual withdrawal toward major urban centers, hoping to turn the cities into bastions of resistance. Despite this, cracks in Canadian morale soon became evident. Reports of isolated mutinies and the surrender of entire units began to surface, signaling the growing discontent within the ranks.
Meanwhile, in the East, American forces made rapid progress. U.S. Marines successfully secured the Ontario Peninsula and laid siege to Toronto, where fierce urban combat unfolded. However, thanks to their extensive experience in city fighting, the Marines managed to break the Canadian resistance, and by February 10, Toronto had fallen. On that same day, further south, the main defensive line in front of Ottawa collapsed under the relentless assault of General Omar Bradley’s battle-hardened troops. Sensing imminent victory, Bradley contacted the King’s headquarters and proposed a 24-hour ceasefire to allow civilians to evacuate the Canadian capital before a full-scale assault. However, instead of an organized evacuation, the city descended into chaos. Mass protests erupted across Ottawa as citizens, already disillusioned with Edward VIII’s rule, took to the streets. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, with police forces unable to contain the growing unrest. Faced with the possibility of an open rebellion within his own capital, the King fled north aboard an armored train, leaving the government in disarray.
As Ottawa plunged into turmoil, the republican opposition seized the opportunity. On February 10, William Lyon Mackenzie King, leader of the liberal pro-republican movement, emerged from hiding and made his way to the outskirts of the city. There, he attempted to contact the military commander responsible for Ottawa’s defense, hoping to negotiate the city's surrender and prevent further bloodshed. However, his efforts were in vain. The commander, a British officer loyal to the Crown, promptly had King arrested. Despite this, he refused to execute him, recognizing that the opposition leader could prove useful as a bargaining chip in future negotiations.
The American offensive was progressing on multiple fronts. That same day, Lieutenant General Matthew Ridgway, commanding the 2nd Corps under Bradley’s overall leadership, led his troops into the outskirts of Montreal. Although the Canadians had fortified the city in preparation for a major battle, the decisive engagement Montgomery had anticipated never came. The prolonged fighting, coupled with mounting losses and dwindling supplies, had drained the defenders’ will to fight. Exhausted and demoralized, many Canadian troops either withdrew deeper into the city or simply surrendered. Further east, General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s forces continued their push toward Halifax. Though Canadian defensive positions were still holding, it was becoming increasingly clear that their resistance was unsustainable in the long run.
By February 25, after securing decisive victories in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, General Douglas MacArthur formally reported to President Landon that the first phase of Operation Fallen Crown had been successfully completed. The Entente had lost control of most of Canada, with only a few strongholds remaining. Quebec was under a heavy American siege, Vancouver remained isolated on the Pacific coast, and Halifax, though still resisting, was facing an inevitable encirclement.
The following day, on February 26, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made a dramatic move. Recognizing that continued resistance would only lead to further devastation, he reached out to the United States through the German embassy in Washington, D.C., signaling Canada’s willingness to negotiate a peace settlement. However, the Canadian government set three firm conditions. First, the United States had to agree to cease all political interference in Canadian affairs and formally withdraw its support for Mackenzie King’s republican movement. Second, all British-born prisoners captured during the war were to be released, though notably, no mention was made of Canadian captives. Third, Kim Philby was to be handed over to Canadian authorities so that he could be tried in their courts.
In exchange for these concessions, Churchill proposed several terms that could make the deal more appealing to Washington. He offered the establishment of American military bases on Canadian soil, granting the U.S. military a permanent foothold in North America. Additionally, he promised favorable economic conditions for American corporations, allowing them to establish businesses in Canada with significant financial incentives, particularly in resource extraction industries. Churchill also acknowledged the possibility of paying reparations for the war, though he made it clear that this would be subject to negotiation. Finally, he suggested the potential transfer of certain overseas territories to the United States, though he firmly stated that no part of the Canadian mainland would ever be relinquished.
With the war nearing its final stages, the question remained: would Washington accept these terms, or would the United States push for a total and unconditional victory?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, this marks the first part of the Canadian conflict… and perhaps the last. I felt it was important to discuss Canada’s defensive strategies and how they were ultimately sabotaged by Edward VIII’s absolutism. The national spirits you saw were something I had saved on my computer—probably a Reddit screenshot from someone else. Regardless, they serve as a great visual representation of the fragile state of Edward VIII’s Canada and how it collapsed from within. They also help explain why a recently reunified America, still recovering from its own civil war, was able to crush a major power like Canada so swiftly.
I’ve always felt that AARs tend to overlook just how precarious Canada’s position is in Kaiserreich. On top of that, the idea that Canada could lose 500,000 soldiers (as happened in my playthrough) and still function as if nothing happened—let alone justify a war against Panama—feels completely unrealistic. The same could be said for National France, though at least they have native uprisings to keep things somewhat grounded.
So, as we’ve seen, Canada’s defense (based on a modern theoretical strategy ) has completely fallen apart, not just because of the American offensive but because of internal divisions, low morale, and Edward VIII’s absolute rule. Montgomery and his commanders had solid plans to slow down the invasion, but with the country practically tearing itself apart, there was never really a chance for a long-term defense.
Now the big question is: what’s Landon (and, let’s be real, MacArthur) going to do about Churchill’s peace offer? Canada’s barely holding on, with most of its major cities either occupied or under siege. The Entente is running out of options fast. But the deal on the table isn’t exactly perfect—America would have to back off from supporting the republican movement. Will Washington go all the way for total victory, or will it take the offer and move on to bigger things? However this plays out, it’s going to shape North America’s future for years to come.
I haven’t had much time to write this week, but fortunately, I already have the next three updates written and ready to go. That should help keep things moving despite my busy schedule. I'm really looking forward to finally reaching the elections—there’s so much to unfold, and I can't wait to share all the twists, turns, and surprises that are coming. It’s going to be a crucial moment in the story, and I hope you’ll all enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed building up to it!
Absolutely! I’m really looking forward to July when the national conventions kick off. Who’s going to end up as the nominees? It’s going to be interesting to see how it all plays out!
Yes, honestly, I thought it was a good idea. I knew I needed a maritime incident for the war to break out, and I knew it had to be the British who suffered the loss. The name just came naturally. And I was always sure that I wanted Philby to appear in my story. We'll talk more about him later.
No, not this time. At first, I thought about adding a summary of his fate next to the car, but it ended up being too long. Basically, the syndicalists' influence in Chicago shifts the balance of power there. And while I suppose that Al Capone himself probably wouldn’t have any issues striking a deal with them, there’s also the possibility that a rival gang allied with the unions or someone else to take him out. We could also say that J. Edgar Hoover had a hand in this
Although we’ll explore this in more detail later, it’s important to clarify that Hoover isn’t the main instigator of the war. While his actions have certainly escalated tensions—most notably, the invasion of a foreign embassy—his primary objective isn’t to provoke a full-scale conflict with the Entente. Rather than being a warmonger, Hoover is an opportunist, always looking for ways to expand his power and the influence of the FBI.
Without revealing too much, his true goal appears to be securing federal authorization for the FBI to operate abroad legally—something the agency is already doing behind the scenes. We’ve seen evidence of this through its secret funding of republican movements in Canada, actions taken without formal approval from the government. By bringing these covert operations into the open and legitimizing them, Hoover could transform the FBI into a global intelligence force rather than just a domestic agency.
Furthermore, war—or even the looming threat of war—creates the perfect environment for Hoover to push his agenda. If the country is engaged in conflict or facing a serious external threat, it becomes much easier for him to justify the need for expanded FBI operations and increased federal funding. A nation at war is far more willing to grant extraordinary powers to its security agencies, and Hoover understands this better than anyone. He doesn’t necessarily need to want the war—he just needs to ensure that, whatever happens, the FBI emerges from it stronger than ever.
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Uh oh, are the Canadian people going to give the Windsors the Romanov treatment?
Landon should push for an unconditional victory, it's his best chance of securing re-election.
As for the others, I don't know what would be the best result for them.
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Churchill is a pathetic fool. Any real American would never accept those terms, especially at the loss of American lives and Entente's delusions of grandeur and imperialism.
Time to teach Eddie and his Imperialists a lesson that will never be forgotten. Up with the Stars!
Time to teach Eddie and his Imperialists a lesson that will never be forgotten. Up with the Stars!
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And Julius Caesar is said to have said something similar, though I forget the context. MacArthur knows his history.
Washington has the momentum, they have the right to force their own terms upon Canada. Churchill's proposal is going to be rejected by all factions I think. A fellow republican government in Canada is more friendly to the US than an autocratic one.
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